MINISTER OF WOMEN'S AFFAIRS ADVOCATES FOR FULL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 001922 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/07/2016 TAGS: PGOV KWMN PHUM IZ SUBJECT: MINISTER OF WOMEN'S AFFAIRS ADVOCATES FOR FULL MINISTRY STATUS Classified By: Political Counselor Margaret Scobey for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY. On June 4, PolCouns met with newly appointed Minister of State for Women's Affairs Fatin Abd al-Rahman to congratulate her and re-affirm USG support for women's rights in Iraq. Abd al-Rahman agreed that the ministry should focus on programs that unite women from all backgrounds. She noted that she hoped to organize training with female lawyers on legislation to ensure the rights set forth by the Constitution. Abd al- Rahman confirmed that she would continue to advocate for her ministry to be elevated to the status of a full cabinet ministry, and lamented the current lack of staff, organization and training in the ministry. END SUMMARY. -------------- -------------- Freedom of Personal Choice as Focus for Ministry Programs? -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C) PolCouns highlighted the importance of women's rights and USG continuing support for the full participation of women in a democratic Iraq. Abd al- Rahman agreed that for democracy to succeed it is essential that no portion of the population, especially women, who make up more than half of Iraqis, be excluded from political, economic or social life. PolCouns noted USG concern regarding recent reports of women being forced to wear the hijab. Abd al-Rahman, who herself wears a hijab, said that such stories were so far only rumors, but said that she was against such an imposition and supported women's right to personal choice. PolCouns suggested that the ministry develop a media program to bring together women from different backgrounds to talk about their personal choices. The program would emphasize that Iraqi women, whether covered or uncovered, are most powerful when they work together and speak with one voice - the voice that promotes mutual understanding and freedom of personal choice. Abd al-Rahman offered vague agreement that ministry programs should encourage these principles, without making any commitment. -------------- -- Constitutional Training for Female Lawyers -------------- -- ¶3. (C) Abd al-Rahman, who is a lawyer by training, said that the Constitution will guarantee rights for Iraqi women; however there is still legislation that must be passed to implement some rights. She hoped to organize training for female lawyers on the legal rights enshrined in the Constitution vis-(-vis those that would require legislation to be enacted. Responding to a question from PolCouns, Abd al-Rahman noted that laws from the previous regime requiring women to acquire permission from a male relative to apply for a passport were still in effect. (COMMENT: This requirement did not appear to bother Abd al-Rahman, who shrugged off the issue as status quo rather than as an alarming development - a reaction other Iraqi women have displayed. END COMMENT.) -------------- Full Ministry Status Still on Agenda -------------- ¶4. (C) Abd al-Rahman confirmed that one of her first priorities would be to push for legislation to elevate the status of her ministry to that of a full, cabinet- level ministry. As a Minister of State, she has no authority over the budget or staffing of her ministry. She complained that the ministry had no structure and that her small staff of 17 would never be able to develop Iraq-wide programs. She noted that she was aware of a USG offer to train the staff of the ministry and asked about other USG assistance that may be available. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶5. (C) PolOff was only able to arrange this meeting through the minister's political party, the IIP. Further party contacts explained that all meetings and contact with the minister must be requested through the party two days prior to the intended meeting date, which will significantly change the Embassy's relationship with the ministry compared to the easy, informal relationship we previously enjoyed. BAGHDAD 00001922 002 OF 002 ¶6. (C) Two of Abd al-Rahman's advisors also attended the meeting, occasionally jumping in to clarify Abd al- Rahman's responses. While she politely agreed with PolCouns comments and suggestions, her responses were decidedly non-committal and it appeared that she had given little thought to the workings of her ministry beyond budget and staffing concerns. ¶7. (C) On a positive note, a prominent women's rights activist told PolOff in a separate meeting that she had discussed some ideas, including organizing a Constitutional seminar, with Abd al-Rahman (septel). The details of the proposed seminar were very similar to the training sessions Abd al-Rahman described to PolCouns, suggesting that she is open to proposals from and cooperation with NGOs. While tentatively a good sign, we do not yet understand how Abd al-Rahman (or her party) intends to use her office. KHALILZAD